The Split Decision

by Tom Schreck

Duffy Dombrowski isn’t your average social worker, boxer, or bar owner—and he sure as hell isn’t anyone’s hero. But when an old flame disappears into the shadows of the adult-entertainment world, Duffy’s sense of right and wrong won’t let him walk away.

His search for Kathy Sullivan pulls him into a brutal web of human trafficking, corrupt cops, and a porn empire that profits off exploitation and fear. The deeper he digs, the uglier it gets—until murder puts him on the wrong side of the law and the FBI comes knocking.

Haunted by the loss of friends and guided by a motley recovery-group of bar regulars, Duffy has to fight his way through the kind of evil that doesn’t wear a villain’s mask. With the help of a streetwise teen, a wounded informant, and his loyal basset hound, Al, Duffy discovers that the hardest punches come from the people you try to save—and that redemption, like boxing, is all about getting up one more time than you’re knocked down.

Raw, compassionate, and darkly funny, The Split Decision proves that the line between sinner and savior is as thin as a razor—and sometimes, the only thing left to fight for is your own soul.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2025

About the author

Tom is the author of "On the Ropes," "TKO,""Out Cold" and "The Vegas Knockout,"all "Duffy Dombrowski Mysteries". His stand alone thriller, "Getting Dunn" was released in 2012.

The Duffy mysteries chronicle the life of a not-so-social social worker, always on the brink of getting fired, who is a bad professional boxer at night and whose best friends are a collection of lovable drunks.

Duffy is part philosopher, part Robin Hood and all heart as he throws himself into helping those who can't help themselves.

Then there's Al--his obstinate basset hound who prefers cheeseburgers, barking at Duffy and naps. But Al seems to show up exactly when it matters.

Often described as a modern day, hipper and less perfect Spenser, Duffy Dombrowski knows the ghetto street and just how unforgiving they can be.

Reviews

[Ginny Tata-Phillips]

Tom Schreck just keeps getting better at what he does best-craft a good story. The Split Decision is a fast paced thriller I literally could not put down. It has the bar banter we have come to expect from Duffy’s world with a lot more action. Duffy expresses with his fists what he feels in his heart - all the rage and righteous anger for those who cannot protect themselves from the evils in the world. He is no superhero in his heroics but rather all too human. Schreck writes from a world with which he is familiar - boxing and basset hounds - adds his humor and storytelling skills and creates books well worth the time to read! I don't know any other author who can combine high school sweethearts with present day sex workers, toss in the FBI and a whole cast of interesting characters, add a dog or two and come up with a tremendously engaging story in under 200 pages!

[Nancy Slusar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Duffy and his crew from book one. Duffy continues to be a work in progress. He has been a social worker, amateur boxer and currently a bar owner. Time marches on for all of us and Duffy isn't immune. Duffy is approached to find a high priced escort. The escort turns out to be Duffy's high school sweetheart. Lots of great characters and a beloved hound, Al. Well done.